Tbilisi: Borjomi, Sulfur Pools, and Green Monastery Tour

Key Points

• Private 10-hour tour with a live English-speaking guide designed for personalized experiences
• Visit Borjomi’s famous spring water source to sample the mineral water directly from the source
• Relax in thermal pools filled with hydrogen sulfide water of various temperatures, suitable for all seasons
• Explore the Green Monastery, a historic Christian site set in a dense forest, with impressive architecture and bas-reliefs
• Enjoy a scenic walk through Borjomi Park and along the river, soaking in lush natural scenery
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

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Discover Borjomi’s Healing Waters and Scenic Parks

This tour starts at 2 Abano Street in Tbilisi and offers a full-day escape to the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. It’s a private experience led by a knowledgeable guide, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility. The journey provides an excellent mix of natural beauty, historical architecture, and relaxing thermal pools.

First, travelers get to visit Borjomi’s famous spring water source where they can taste the mineral water directly from the well. Borjomi’s mild subtropical climate makes this visit pleasant year-round, with mild winters averaging -2°C and summers reaching up to 20°C. The town is surrounded by mountain ranges covered with coniferous and broadleaf forests, creating a peaceful backdrop for exploration.

Next, the tour takes a walk through Borjomi Central Park. The park is ideal for a scenic stroll along the river, offering ample opportunities for photos and leisure. The park’s atmosphere combines natural tranquility with the lively presence of fountains, greenery, and the famous mineral water springs, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and sightseeing.

Relaxing in Borjomi’s Sulfur Thermal Pools

A major highlight involves relaxing in the thermal pools located within Borjomi. The pools are filled with hydrogen sulfide water, which varies in temperature from about 20°C in winter to 30°C in summer. These pools are small, consisting of three separate pools, each offering a different temperature for comfort and health benefits. The walk from Borjomi Park to the pools takes approximately 40 minutes along a pleasant river-side path, giving travelers a chance to enjoy the natural scenery.

The thermal waters are known for their healing properties, making this part of the experience both soothing and beneficial. The pools’ hydrogen sulfide content might have a distinct smell but is appreciated for its potential health benefits. The variation in water temperature allows visitors to choose relaxing dips suited to the season and personal preference.

Visiting the Green Monastery in Forested Seclusion

The Mtsvane Monastery, also called the Green Monastery, is located 11 km southeast of Borjomi. The name “Mtsvane” means green, reflecting its setting amidst abundant forests and shrubs. This small monastery dates back to the late 9th or early 10th centuries, featuring a three-aisled basilica style of architecture.

The monastery grounds include a two-story bell tower built during the 15th and 16th centuries. The ground floor houses a small chapel, while the upper part displays carved bas-reliefs, including a notable depiction of St. George slaying the dragon. Its remote location in dense woodland provides a tranquil atmosphere that enhances its spiritual and historical significance.

A guided visit to the Green Monastery allows for an appreciation of its architecture and historical importance, with explanations about its construction and legends. The journey to the monastery is part of the overall experience, adding a layer of cultural discovery to the day.

Scenic Walks Through Borjomi Park and Along the River

Throughout the day, the tour emphasizes outdoor walks through Borjomi Park and along the nearby river. The six-hour free time at Borjomi Park gives travelers space to explore independently, take photos, or simply enjoy the lush surroundings. The park’s well-maintained pathways and natural scenery make for a peaceful experience, with the river adding a gentle soundtrack to the strolls.

Walking through Borjomi Park also offers views of the famous mineral spring water springs and the opportunity to learn about the town’s history from the guide. The pace is relaxed, emphasizing appreciation of nature and local sights.

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The Architecture and Legends of the Green Monastery

The architecture of the Green Monastery highlights early medieval Christian building styles, most popular in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. The three-aisled basilica is a typical form from that period, and the two-story bell tower adds to its historical charm. The carved bas-reliefs, particularly the depiction of St. George, convey its religious and artistic significance.

The monastery’s location amidst dense forests lends it an aura of seclusion. The bell tower’s upper part decorated with carved bas-reliefs offers an intriguing glimpse into late medieval craftsmanship. Visitors can appreciate the serene environment and historical architecture that set this site apart from other religious landmarks.

Practical Details: Duration, Transport, and Flexibility

This 10-hour private tour departs from 2 Abano Street and includes guided visits to Borjomi, the sulfur pools, and the Green Monastery. The private group setting ensures a tailored experience, with the flexibility to ask questions and explore at a comfortable pace.

The tour features free cancellation if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind for flexible planning. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, making it easier to fit this experience into travel plans. The live English guide enhances the storytelling and ensures clear explanations throughout the day.

Comparing This Tour with Similar Options

While there are other tours available in the region, such as guided trips to Vardzia or Rabati, this tour’s focus on Borjomi’s mineral waters, thermal pools, and Green Monastery provides a balanced combination of relaxation and cultural discovery. It offers a personalized experience with private transportation and guidance, which can be a significant advantage over group tours.

Other related experiences include snowshoe hikes in Lesser Caucasus or day trips to Kazbegi—but this tour’s emphasis on natural health remedies and architectural history makes it unique for visitors interested in both wellness and culture.

Final Thoughts on the Borjomi, Sulfur Pools, and Green Monastery Tour

This 10-hour private tour from Tbilisi offers a well-rounded day in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The combination of sampling Borjomi’s mineral water, relaxing in sulfur pools, and exploring the historic Green Monastery makes it a great choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural insights.

The guided visits and scenic walks add depth to the experience, while the flexible booking options make it accessible. The moderate pace and comfortable walks make it suitable for most travelers, though those with mobility concerns should note the walking involved.

This tour provides a rich mix of health, history, and nature with the convenience of a private guide. It’s particularly ideal for those interested in Georgia’s natural remedies and early Christian architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes guided visits, transportation, and entry to the sulfur pools and Green Monastery. Payment is flexible with the option to reserve now and pay later.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts approximately 10 hours from start to finish.

Is this tour suitable for all seasons?
Yes, the tour operates year-round. The thermal pools are enjoyable in any season, with water temperatures varying between 20°C and 30°C.

What should I wear for the walk to the sulfur pools?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you will walk about 40 minutes along a pleasant river path.

Can I visit Borjomi independently afterward?
Yes, the tour includes free time at Borjomi Park, allowing for independent exploration or additional sightseeing.

Is the Green Monastery accessible for limited mobility travelers?
The data does not specify accessibility details, so travelers with mobility concerns should inquire further.

What is the guide’s language?
The guide speaks English fluently, ensuring clear explanations throughout the day.

Are meals or refreshments included?
The information does not mention meals; it is advisable to bring snacks or purchase refreshments during free time.

How flexible is the tour schedule?
The itinerary is fixed but designed to allow for a comfortable and relaxed pace, with some flexibility during free time.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of personalized private guidance, balancing wellness experiences with cultural visits, and scenic walks makes it a comprehensive day trip showcasing Borjomi’s best features.

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